La‘amaikahiki is credited with bringing the sharkskin drum to Hawai‘i from Tahiti. It is believed that prior to the introduction of the pahu, it was the ipu heke (double-gourd drum) that provided the rhythmic accompaniment to the oli (chant).

Th e Ipu Heke drum, or double drum, is a traditional Hawaiian instrument. It is made by cutting two specific kinds of gourds and fitting them together in a precise manner. Th e bottom of the drum requires a Tall-Body gourd that has a flat bottom and is perfectly symmetrical.

The hula ipu heke (images below) is a combination of two gourds, one being the heke (head) and the other, on a larger scale, called the ki (body). Both the heke and the ki would be lashed internally with 'aha and ulu (breadfruit) sap to hold them together.

Double calabash gourd used for chanting and dancing; price varies according to height ($100 - $360) Please specify whether you want the ipu heke varnished (shiny) or unvarnished(natural). Please call to see what is available.

2022年7月1日 · Kalim is known for his ipu heke, which for him includes matching the shapes and sounds with the kumu hula who chooses his drums, and personal delivery of the ipu from his hands into theirs.

2023年9月27日 · Crafting an ipu heke ʻole is an intricate process that involves growing and shaping the gourds, hand pollinating the plants, and constructing trellises so they grow to produce a beautiful sound. The gourd helps hula dancers tell …

2024年4月7日 · As the rhythmic heartbeat of Hawaiian culture, the Ipu Heke holds a special place in the foundation of hula. This traditional percussion instrument not only sets the pace for hula dancers but also embodies the essence of our Hawaiian heritage.

Kumu hula often use ipu, usually an ipu heke (double gourd) as a percussion instrument to create rhythm and sound for the chant and dancers. Ipu heke are made by taking two gourds of different sizes, cutting them off at the necks and joining them so that the smaller gourd is on top.

2019年8月16日 · Want to learn about the ipu & the ipu heke? In this video I will explain the differences, how to play each and what types of hula each ipu go... Aloha Everyone!

An Ipu Heke is a traditional Hawaiian drum. It is made from a pair of gourds. It is used in hula. I built this ipu at a one day workshop held at the Caning Shop in Berkeley, CA. The building processing is pretty straightforward. The process is detailed in the book How to Make Hawaiian Instruments (see Resources section below).